Green Mountain College: Admissions

First-year Student FAQ

What's the application procedure for first year students? What are the deadlines?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Before an application for first-year students can be reviewed, it must include a full record of high school transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement. We are now a test optional school. You may choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores, but if you choose not to submit your test scores, you will be required to submit an "Insight Portfolio" with three short essay responses (100 words each) and a recent, graded writing sample. To learn more about our Test Optional Policy, click here.

Additional application materials, including a resume, community service record, art or work portfolios and supplemental letters of recommendation, are encouraged.

Once an application is complete the Admissions Office reviews it. Decisions are typically made within 4 to 6 weeks.

What's the application procedure for home-schooled students?
Home-schooled students not receiving a diploma from an accredited agency may submit a GED in place of high school transcripts. Home-schooled students must still submit SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and a letter of recommendation from an individual who can attest to the student's ability to perform in the classroom.

Homeschooled students are not eligible to take part in Test Optional program. Homeschooled students may still choose to submit an Insight Portfolio, and it will be reviewed in conjunction with SAT or ACT scores.

What are the requirements for admission for first year students?
Green Mountain College does not set minimum requirements for standardized tests or for GPA. While your transcripts and your test scores will play an important role in your admissions decision, we believe there is more to you than the sum of two numbers. The Admissions Office uses a holistic approach when reviewing applications. We believe that letters of recommendation, essays, community involvement and leadership experience are very important considerations in the admissions process. All applicants should ensure that the application fully reflects his or her abilities as a student and as a community member.

What is the average financial aid package for first year students? What are the deadlines?
During the 2007-2008 academic year, over 90 percent of GMC undergraduate students received some type of assistance. The average GMC grant/scholarship offered to the class of 2011 was $12,600, with the average package (including aid from all sources) totaling $22,073. The range of grants for this class was $1,000 to $34,288.

All eligible students are encouraged to apply for financial aid. For first-year students applying for admission in Spring 2008, the priority deadline to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is November 1, 2007. For first-year students applying for admission in Fall 2008, the priority deadline to complete and submit the FAFSA is March 1, 2008.

What is your policy towards AP and IB tests?
Academic credit is granted for an Advanced Placement exam score of a three or higher. Academic credit is granted for a higher level International Baccalaureate examination score of a 4 or higher. Students who receive the full IB diploma may qualify for sophomore standing. These certified achievements may count towards the satisfaction of specific Environmental Liberal Arts requirements and as placement in your major or minor program of study.

Is there an early entrance program?
Students who have completed their junior year of high school and wish to accelerate their academic studies may choose to apply for early admission/early entrance. The prospective student is responsible for arranging an agreement between the Green Mountain College registrar and an accrediting high school to satisfy all secondary school graduation requirements.

An early admission/early entrance candidate must demonstrate that his or her interests will be better served by immediate entry into a college program. A personal interview with the candidate and parent(s)/guardian(s) is required, and a statement of support from a high school guidance officer is highly recommended.

To see the general FAQ with answers to a broad range of questions about student life, academics and admissions, click here.